Tesla’s three-row Model Y variant has just made its first appearance on North American roads. A new sighting shared online appears to show a camouflaged six-seat Model Y L prototype traveling along Interstate 280 in California on Wednesday, fueling speculation that Tesla has begun local testing ahead of its release in Canada and the United States.
While Tesla has not officially confirmed the sighting, several details point to this being more than just a standard Model Y. The first obvious thing is Tesla’s attempt to camouflage the vehicle, even though it has been released in other markets around the world.
But beyond that, the vehicle appears to have a slightly extended rear section, consistent with the larger proportions of the Model Y L designed to accommodate a third row with improved passenger space.
While covered, the design of the wheels is still very much visible and appears to be the 19’’ Machina 2.0 Wheels found only on the Model Y L.
First Model YL mule sighting in North America? I took this on I-280 NB this afternoon. It’s a looong boi… CC: @SawyerMerritt pic.twitter.com/Yr54eDJVOE
— Michael R Carroll (@michaelrcarroll) April 23, 2026
The Model Y L was first launched in China last year, and has since expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and a dozen markets across Asia. Most recently, it launched in India earlier this week, where Tesla introduced the longer wheelbase Model Y L with an interesting pricing strategy, positioning it between the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Premium RWD variants. Typically, it sits above other Premium variants, but below the Performance.
Tesla has not provided an official timeline for a North American release, but sightings like this mean we are closer than ever. Elon Musk has previously said the Model Y L would come to North America at the end of 2026, but this sighting, along with the appearance of a Model Y L body at Giga Texas a few weeks ago, point to that timeline being accelerated.
If the Model Y L does arrive in North America sooner rather than later, it would give Tesla a stronger foothold in the increasingly competitive three-row electric SUV segment, and could help Tesla maintain its dominance while appealing to families needing more space without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
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